Jaw brace

ABSTRACT

A brace that includes at least one chin rest for stabilizing a patient&#39;s jaw in a fixed relative position. More specifically, the at least one chin rest is itself supported in its fixed position using additional mechanisms such as a chest plate or one or more arms that can be attached to a dental or oral surgical chair. The brace is used to stabilize a patient&#39;s jaw when the patient&#39;s jaw is supported by the at least one chin rest.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/US15/48419, filed on Sep. 3, 2015, titled JAW BRACE, which is an International Application of U.S. Nonprovisional Application Ser. No. 14/476,516, filed on Sep. 3, 2014, titled JAW BRACE, which is a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/US2013/38246, filed on Apr. 25, 2013, titled THE BRACE, which is an International Application of U.S. Nonprovisional Application Ser. No. 13/457,376, filed on Apr. 26, 2012, title BRACE.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosed invention relates to dental devices used to support the patient's jaw during procedures. More specifically, the device can stabilize the chin of a patient in situations where such movement would be risky or counterproductive to a procedure or the patient is, or will be, undergoing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Individuals with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) suffer from a variety of symptoms including pain in and around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and jaw muscles, headaches, inability to fully open the mouth or close it, and many others. While there are several hypothesized causes of TMD, dental treatment for people with TMD can be difficult due to the jaw pain they are already experiencing and the extra time dentists need to provide patients with during procedures so patient's can rest their jaws.

Additionally, overextension or significant force on the jaw during dental treatments is a major cause of TMD, and TMD complaints result in uncompensated postoperative care. Currently, approximately 5 to 12% of the population suffers from TMD or TMD-like symptoms. Most of these people are women between the ages of 18 and 45.

Even for those patients who do not suffer from TMD, downward force applied to a patient's jaw during dental procedures can cause jaw pain, discomfort, or fatigue because the patient must tense jaw muscles to oppose the downward force. Further, if a patient is sedated, the patient may incur injury because the patient is not tensing jaw muscles to oppose the downward force. Injury to a patient can result in: (1) lost time for the dentist to manage the symptomatic patient; (2) patient suffering and injury; and (3) potential medico-legal problems.

While current medical devices in the dental market exist that can prop the mouth open (i.e., bite blocks), nothing is available to support the mandible when a downward force is applied. Currently, in addition to devices such as bite blocks, dentists attempt to address patient safety by limiting the length of the procedure, preliminarily terminating the procedure if the patient complains of pain, providing breaks during procedures, and supporting the patient's jaw with their own or their assistant's hands. However, these current methods are not always effective and can be disruptive to a procedure. Therefore, a device is needed that supports the jaw when a downward force is applied, prevents over-extension of the jaw, minimizes jaw pain and fatigue during dental procedures, and reduces treatment time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed jaw brace can hold a patient's jaw in one position and provide stability for a dentist to do complex dental procedures with minimal patient movements and fewer patient time breaks. More specifically, the jaw brace includes one or more chin supports for holding a patient's chin in a fixed relative position. The chin support is itself supported in its fixed position using additional mechanisms such as a chest plate or one or more arms that can be attached to a dental or oral surgical chair. The jaw brace is used to support the patient's jaw when the jaw is aligned with the chin support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the disclosed brace.

FIG. 2 is a side view of one embodiment of the disclosed brace.

FIG. 3 is a top view of one embodiment of the disclosed brace.

FIG. 4 is a perspective right side view of one embodiment of the disclosed brace.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the disclosed brace.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the chin support assembly.

FIG. 7 is a front view of one embodiment of the chin support assembly.

FIG. 8 is a right side cross-section view of one embodiment of the chin support assembly.

FIG. 9 is a front view of one embodiment of the disclosed brace.

FIG. 10 is a right side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the disclosed brace.

FIG. 11 is a right side cross-sectional view of one component of the disclosed brace according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front view of one embodiment of the disclosed brace.

FIG. 13 is a top down cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the disclosed brace.

FIG. 14 is a front view of one embodiment of the disclosed brace in use.

FIG. 15 is a left side view of one embodiment of the disclosed brace in use.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the disclosed brace.

FIG. 17 is a front view of one embodiment of the disclosed brace in use.

FIG. 18 illustrates a right side view of the jaw brace attached to a dental procedure chair according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of the jaw brace of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective left side view of the jaw brace of FIG. 18 in use.

FIG. 21 illustrates the arm of the jaw brace according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention.

FIG. 22 illustrates the arm of the jaw brace according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention.

FIG. 23a illustrates one locking mechanism for the joints in the arm of the jaw brace according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention.

FIG. 23b illustrates one locking mechanism for the joints in the arm of the jaw brace according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention.

FIG. 24 illustrates a front view of the jaw brace attached to a dental procedure chair according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention.

FIG. 25 illustrates an adapter of the jaw brace of FIG. 24 surrounding the neck portion of the headrest of a dental procedure chair.

FIG. 26 illustrates a left side view of the jaw brace attached to a dental procedure chair according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention.

FIG. 27 illustrates a front view of the jaw brace of FIG. 26 and its locking mechanism according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention.

FIG. 28 illustrates one embodiment of jaw brace having a curved arm connected to a dental procedure chair.

FIG. 29 illustrates a left side view of one embodiment of the disclosed jaw brace in use.

FIG. 30 illustrates a left side view of the jaw brace of FIG. 29 in use.

FIG. 31 illustrates a top view of the jaw brace of FIG. 29 in use.

FIG. 32 is a back left perspective view of one embodiment of the disclosed jaw brace in use.

FIG. 33 is a left side view of one embodiment of the disclosed jaw brace in use and illustrates various positions of the chin support.

FIG. 34 is a top view of one embodiment of the disclosed jaw brace in use.

FIG. 35 is a top view of one embodiment of the disclosed jaw brace in use and illustrates the jaw brace holding a patient's jaw at a 30 degree angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various user interfaces and embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover application or embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims attached hereto. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The jaw brace is a device worn by a patient and fitted by a user, often times a dental professional, to assist in alleviating patients' jaw pain and reduce fatigue during and after dental procedures. It is a modified sterno-occipital mandibular immobilizer (SOMI) that is a modified cervical collar, designed to provide the required support with minimal restriction on mandibular movement, and minimal intrusion into the dental operating field.

The device, in some embodiments, fits over the shoulders of the patient, secures with buckles, and the size can be adjusted to comfortably fit almost any adult patient. Attached to the front of the device is an adjustable chin rest. The chin rest is composed of a soft, but dense material that allows the patient's chin to rest comfortably on this cushion. The chin rest can be adjusted to ensure that it properly supports the jaw. In some embodiments, it is on a ball bearing that enables the rotation.

The jaw brace can alleviate pain and fatigue during dental procedures by supporting the lower mandible (i.e., jaw) and allowing the patient to refrain from actively resisting pressure from the dentist when a downward force is applied. This allows the dentist to place the amount of pressure required on the jaw without worrying about inflicting pain on the jaw, hyper-extending the jaw, taking breaks to allow the patient to rest, or providing care for sore jaw muscles or TMJs.

Therefore, the device minimizes jaw pain and discomfort, prevents overextension of the jaw, reduces treatment time by reducing the need for breaks during a procedure, enhances stability and precision, and reduces post-operative jaw pain.

Several types of patients can benefit from the disclosed device: (1) patients undergoing long procedures—especially on the mandibular arch; (2) patients undergoing any procedure where significant force is placed on the mandible; (3) symptomatic TMJ/TMD patients; (4) asymptomatic patients with signs of TMD; (5) patients who experience over-extension of the jaw or locking open; (6) patients with movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia, Parkinson, MS; (7) and geriatric patients. In addition, it can be used as a patient restraint by putting the shoulder straps around the dental chair.

In a first embodiment, the jaw brace is a chest and shoulder-supported jaw brace 100 and includes: a chest plate 102; a chin support 600 for supporting and stabilizing a patient's chin in a fixed position relative to the patient's chest; a rod 104 having a top surface 602, said rod 104 adjustably attached to said chest plate 102; and an adjustable linkage 106 connected to said top surface 602 and to said chin support 600. The jaw brace 100 is used to support the patient's jaw when the patient's chin is placed upon the chin support 600. Examples of the first embodiment of the jaw brace in use are illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15.

The chest plate 102 is a base formed to fit comfortably against the patient's chest and is formed of any plastic, metal, or other material having sufficient strength to support the chin support 600 when the chin support 600 is used to support said patient's chin. The chest plate, in some embodiments, includes a core 502 and padding 504. The chest plate 102 is also provided with a left shoulder brace 108 and a right shoulder brace 110. Each shoulder brace 108, 110 is provided with one or more adjustable straps 112 attached to the bottom portion of the chest plate 102, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. The shoulder braces 108, 110 and adjustable straps 112 secure the chest plate 102 to the patient's chest. It is appreciated that additional braces and straps are contemplated as within the present invention.

The chin support 600 is a metal or plastic frame, which can include a post 114 attached to an adjustable linkage 106 and a pad 116. In another embodiment, the adjustable linkage 106 includes a post 114 attached to the chin support 600. In some embodiments, the post 114 may be threaded to match a threaded hole to achieve the desired connection. Alternatively, the post 114 may be attached to the chin support 600 by welding or by a suitable adhesive. In some embodiments, the adjustable linkage 106 may connect directly to the pad 116 without an intermediary post 114. When in use, the pad 116 is placed in contact with the patient's chin.

The rod 104 has a top surface 602 attached to the adjustable linkage 106 and is slideably attached, and may be rotatably attached, to the chest plate 102 to permit adjustment of the position of the chin support 600 relative to the patient's chest. The rod 104 is of any desired cross section but a circular cross section facilitates rotational attachment to the chest plate 102.

The adjustable linkage 106 connects the chin support 600 to the top surface 602 of the rod 104. The adjustable linkage 106 permits adjustment of the chin support 600 relative to the chest plate 102 and the ability to lock the chin support 600 in a selected position relative to the rod 104. Cross-sections of this region of the jaw brace are illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. The dual ball joint shown in FIGS. 1, 4-9, 12 and 14 is one such adjustable linkage 106. The dual ball joint can include two curved plates 120 and a locking mechanism 122. The dual ball joint is completely adjustable before it is fixed in place by the locking mechanism 122 and this allows for aligning the chin rest under the patient's chin in 3-dimensions, thus allowing for adaptation to different anatomies and symmetries of different patient's jaws.

In use, the chest plate 102 is fastened by means of the left shoulder brace 108, right shoulder brace 110, and adjustable straps 112 to the patient's chest and the rod 104 is adjusted to place the chin support 600 at a selected height relative to the patient's chest by an adjustable connector 118 connecting the rod 104 to the chest plate 102. A cross-section of the adjustable connector 118 is illustrated in FIG. 13. Then, the technician can place the chin support 600 at a desired location, and the patient's chin is placed in contact with the chin support 600. The adjustable linkage 106 is then locked and the patient's chin is thereby stabilized. In some embodiments, the right shoulder brace 108 and left shoulder brace 110 each have a metal brace 128 attached to the shoulder braces 108, 110 via a round disk and screw assembly 130. In some embodiments, the shoulder braces 108, 110 are padded to provide more comfort for the patient.

In one embodiment, the adjustable straps 112 are used to hold the device on to the patient by connecting each shoulder brace 108, 110 to the chest plate 102. Each adjustable strap 112 can attach to the base of the chest plate 102 through the use of a hook and clasp feature, wherein one strap will thread through an outside hole 124 and fold back and attach to itself. Each adjustable strap 112 can attach to a shoulder brace 108 or 110 through the use of a buckle, wherein the male connector part of the buckle is attached to the adjustable strap 112 and slides into the female receiving part of the buckle, which is attached to the shoulder brace 108 or 110. Alternatively, the male connector part of the buckle can attach to the shoulder brace 108 or 110 and the female receiving part of the buckle can attach to the adjustable strap 112. In one embodiment, the adjustable straps 112 cross across the patient's back so that one adjustable strap 112 connects to the right side of the chest plate 102 and the left shoulder brace 108 and the second adjustable strap 112 connects to the left side of the chest plate 102 and the right shoulder brace 110.

In some embodiments, the jaw brace includes: a chest plate 102 that includes a core 502 and padding 504; a chin support 600 for supporting and stabilizing a patient's chin in a fixed position relative to the patient's chest; a rod 104 having a top surface 602, said rod 104 adjustably attached to said chest plate 102; an adjustable linkage 106 connected to said top surface 602 and to said chin support 600; a left shoulder brace 108; and a right shoulder brace 110; and one or more adjustable straps 112. The chin support 600 can include: a post 114 attached to an adjustable linkage 106 and a pad 116. An example of this embodiment of the jaw brace is illustrated in FIG. 16.

In some embodiments, the jaw brace includes a clavicle brace 1702; an arched chest plate 1704; a chin support 600 for supporting and stabilizing a patient's chin in a fixed position relative to the patient's chest; a rod 104 having a top surface 602, said rod 104 adjustably connected to said arched chest plate 1704; and an adjustable linkage 106 connected to said top surface 602 and to said chin support 600. The chin support 600 can include: a post 114 attached to an adjustable linkage 106 and a pad 116. The clavicle brace 1702 can connect to the arched chest plate 1704 via hooks 1706 that are affixed to the clavicle brace 1702. In some embodiments, the arched chest plate 1704 can have openings on its left and right sides that are wide enough to receive the hooks 1706. The hooks 1706 can be permanently affixed to the clavicle brace 1702 and, when threaded through the openings on the arched chest plate 1704, can turn to lock the clavicle brace 1702 to the arched chest plate 1704. This embodiment enables a user to: first, apply the clavicle brace 1702; second, adjust the fit using, for example, a hook and loop closure system or a tooth buckle closure system; and third, place the arched chest plate 1704 onto the patient's chest. The closure system can be located on the front or back of the device. An example of this embodiment of the jaw brace is illustrated in FIG. 17.

Use of a bite block can ensure the maximum comfortable opening for the patient. The user can then set the chin support 600 to a comfortable position with the bite block still in. Lastly, the bite block can be taken out or it can be left in the patient's mouth for extra stability and removed whenever the patient wants to close his or her mouth.

In other embodiments of the disclosed device, the jaw brace can be attached to a chair, such as a dental procedure chair 1802, as illustrated in FIGS. 18-20 and 24-35. The jaw brace, in these embodiments, does not have a chest plate 102 or shoulder braces 108, 110. Instead, the support for the chin, which can be one or more chin rests 1804 as illustrated in FIGS. 20, 31 and 34, is attached to an arm that can attach to a headrest 1806 of the dental procedure chair 1802. The chin rest 1804 can include one or more foam layers (such as compressible foam) or any other reasonably firm, yet viscoelastic material that is resilient and flexible.

The jaw brace can have two main parts if it is built in to the dental procedure chair 1802: one or more arms and one or more chin rests 1804. If the jaw brace is not built in to the dental procedure chair 1802, it can have three main parts: the one or more arms, the one or more chin rests 1804, and an headrest attachment piece (for example, an adapter) 1902 that connects the arm to the dental procedure chair 1802. The benefit to these embodiments is that the jaw brace does not rest on the patient's chest. Instead, the dental procedure chair 1802 supports the jaw brace.

The arm can operate in several ways. In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 18-20, the arm can be an articulating arm 1808 that includes two or more rods or other rigid support structures. The first rod 1810 can connect to the dental procedure chair 1802 or the headrest attachment piece 1902 by, for example, a pivot hinge, so that the first rod 1810 can pivot around the connection. The other end of the first rod 1810 can connect to the second rod 1812 by, for example, a pivot hinge, so that the second rod 1812 can pivot around the first rod 1810. The second rod 1812 can be connected, on its other end, to either the chin rest 1804 or a third arm, by a pivot hinge. These connections can continue to include any number of rods. This construction allows the user to custom fit the jaw brace to any patient. Additionally, the jaw brace, in this embodiment, can fold away behind the chair or on the side of it, as illustrated in FIG. 18.

In another embodiment, the arm can be a straight telescoping arm 2102 or a curved telescoping arm 2104 with rotational joints, as illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22. For example, the telescoping arm 2102 or 2104 can include a plurality of rods, each capable of sliding into the rod next to it for storage. The first telescoping rod 2104, which is closest to the dental procedure chair 1802, can connect directly to the dental procedure chair 1802 or indirectly to the dental procedure chair 1802 via the headrest attachment piece 1902. The furthest telescoping rod 2106, which is furthest from the chair, can connect directly to the chin rest 1804. When in use, the user can slide one or more of the rods out from each other and lock them in place at each joint, as illustrated in FIGS. 23a and 23b . The rods 2104, 2106 can also be locked in place when they slide into one another. For example, a second rod can be extended and locked to a first rod, and a third rod can slide in and lock to the second rod. In this way, the length of the arm can vary based on the user's needs. Each lock can also include a rotational joint, enabling the user to custom fit the jaw brace to any patient. The locks at each joint can be, for example, manual locks 2300 a or electrical or pneumatic locks 2300 b.

In one embodiment, as described above, the jaw brace can have two arms, as illustrated in FIGS. 24, 31 and 34-35. In this embodiment, one end of each arm can connect directly to the dental procedure chair 1802 or indirectly to the dental procedure chair 1802 via the headrest attachment piece 1902. Therefore, a first arm 2402 can protrude from the left side of the dental procedure chair 1802 and a second arm 2404 can protrude from the right side of the dental procedure chair 1802. The first and second arms 2402, 2404 can then wrap around their respective sides of the patient in the dental procedure chair 1802. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the arms 2402, 2404 can connect, in front of the patient, to each other using an arm-to-arm locking mechanism 2406. This embodiment can reduce stress on the joints of the first and second arms 2402, 2404 if the first and second arms 2402, 2404 are articulating arms 1808 or telescoping arms 2102, 2202, as described above. In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 34-35, the arms to do not lock to each other.

The headrest attachment piece 1902, in some embodiments, can be removably attached to the headrest 1806 of the dental procedure chair 1802 by attaching to the neck portion of the headrest 1806, as illustrated in FIGS. 19, 24, and 25. For example, if there is only one arm, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the headrest attachment piece 1902 can include two adapter halves 2506, 2508 that are permanently connected via a hinge on one end (to allow the headrest attachment piece 1902 to open and close) and are removably connected on the other end via a clasping, snapping, or locking mechanism (to allow the headrest attachment piece 1902 to secure itself to the dental procedure chair 1802). If there are two arms, as illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the end of each arm can be connected to one of the two adapter halves 2506 or 2508 and can encompass half of the front of the headrest 1806 and half of the back of the headrest 1806. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the two adapter halves 2506, 2508 can come in contact at both the front and back of the headrest 1806 and, at those locations, can clasp, snap, or lock together. In one embodiment, each adapter half 2506, 2508 has a receiving part 2502 and a locking part 2504, wherein the receiving part 2502 of the first adapter half 2506 matches up to the locking part 2504 of the second adapter half 2508 and the receiving part 2502 of the second adapter half 2508 matches up to the locking part 2504 of the first adapter half 2506.

In one embodiment, the jaw brace has a connection piece 2602, such as, but not limited to, a rod or strap, that hooks around the neck portion of the headrest 1806 of the dental procedure chair 1802, as illustrated in FIGS. 26 and 27. Each end of the connection piece 2602 connects to the chest plate 102, which can rest on the patient's chest, sternum, etc. In one embodiment, one end of the connection piece 2602 is permanently attached to the chest plate 102 and the other end of the connection piece 2602 can clasp, snap, or lock into the chest plate 102 using a locking mechanism 2702, as illustrated in FIG. 27. In another embodiment, both ends of the connection piece 2602 have a locking mechanism 2702 that enable the connection piece 2602 to clasp, snap, or lock into the chest plate 102. The chin rest 1804 can attach to the chest plate 102 and can be adjustable, as described above.

In one embodiment, the arm can be curved, can connect to the chair via a locking mechanism, such as, but not limited to, a pivot bar clamp 2802, and can pivot toward or away from the patient. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 28, the jaw brace can pivot up and overhead to allow the patient access into or out of the chair and can then pivot back down when it is needed. The jaw brace can include a pivot bar clamp 2802; a curved arm 2804; a chin rest 1804 for supporting and stabilizing a patient's chin in a fixed position relative to the patient's chest; and an adjustable linkage 106 connected to the arm 1804 and to the chin rest 1804. This construction allows the user to custom fit the jaw brace to any patient.

The pivot bar clamp 2802 can attach to the headrest 1806 of the dental procedure chair 1802 and can include an internal grooved track that, when locked, prevents disengagement of the teeth of the device, thereby locking the arm 2804 in place. To adjust the arm 2804, the pivot bar clamp 2802 can include a knob that unlocks the locking mechanism and permits a user to adjust and re-lock the arm 2804 in place. The maneuverability of the arm 2804 enables a user to keep the jaw brace attached to the headrest 1806 at all times.

In another embodiment, the jaw brace can attach to the headrest 1806 of the dental procedure chair 1802 so that the only contact to the patient is under and behind the patient's jaw, as illustrated in FIGS. 29-35. The jaw brace, as illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 32, can include one or more chin rests 1804, an adjustable linkage 106, adjustable arms 3002, and a headrest attachment 3004 that can be adjustable and that can be used with different size headrest posts. The adjustable arms 3002 can attach, on one side, to the adjustable headrest attachment 3004 and, on the other side, to the adjustable linkage 106.

In some embodiments, the jaw brace is comprised of two chin rests 1804, as illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 34, which support the back of the jaw on each side. For example, each chin rest 1804 can have a c-shaped plate 2902 on which a foam pad 2904 is attached, as illustrated in FIG. 29. The plate 2902 can be made of various materials such as, but not limited to, plastic or metal. The plate 2902 can be adjustable using a single or dual ball joint that allows for adjusting the plate 2902 to accommodate different jaw sizes. The patient's chin can rest on each of the foam pads 2904 that are placed on the sides of the patient's jaw, which mimics the position an assistant may use to bilaterally support the jaw. The foam pads 2904 can be comprised of molded foam dipped in medical grade vinyl coating. The c-shape of the chin rest 1804, in combination with each one's placement under and behind the sides of a patient's jaw, can move the patient's jaw into a forward position and open the patient's airway, which addresses any hypoxia issues that can occur with conscious sedation or general anesthesia.

In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 32-33, the two chin rests 3202 can have an L-shaped structure. These chin rests 3202 can be comprised of a plate and a pad, such as a compressible foam or other firm, yet viscoelastic material. Alternatively, the chin rests 3202 can be comprised entirely of a firm, viscoelastic material. Further, the chin rests 3202 may be adjustable or may be available in several sizes to accommodate different jaw sizes. Similar to the c-shaped plate 2902, the chin rests 3202 can be attached to a ball joint and can, therefore, be adjustable, which allows for positioning the chin rests 3202 to accommodate different jaw shapes and sizes.

The chin rests 3202 are shaped so that they can hook under and behind the jaw line, which allow the patient's jaw to be pushed forward during a dental procedure or surgery, as illustrated in FIG. 33 where the chin rest 3202 is shown transitioning between its active and inactive positions. When the chin rests 3202 are pushed forward, they ensure a patient's airway remains open during a procedure, which reduces the risk of emergencies due to hypoxia issues that can occur during conscious sedation or general anesthesia.

The adjustable arms 3002 can, as described above, be articulating arms that include two or more rods or other rigid support structures. Each of the rods on one adjustable arm 3002 can connect to another arm by a pivot joint 3104. Therefore, the rods can pivot around each other, enabling the user to custom fit the jaw brace to any patient. In some embodiments, the pivot joints 3104 can include a quick release lock 3102 that enables a user to quickly move the jaw brace in and out of place without moving the patient. When not in use, the jaw brace can be folded and collapsed behind the headrest 1806.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 32-35, the adjustable arms 3204 can be comprised of a series of ball joints 3206 to allow for a full range of motion. For example, each adjustable arm 3204 can be comprised of four ball joints 3206 connected in line with each other, wherein the proximal end of the adjustable arm 3204 is comprised of a first ball joint that attaches to a head rest mount 3208, and the distal end of the adjustable arm 3204 is comprised of a last ball joint that attaches directly to the chin rest 3202. This embodiment accounts for the variability of patient jaw and face sizes. In some embodiments, each ball joint 3206 can have an electrostatic magnet at its base. The ball joints 3206 can be enclosed or partially enclosed within a ball socket 3210 and a magnetorheological fluid can act as a lubricant between the ball joints 3206 and ball sockets 3210 on the inner bearing surface.

To control the magnetorheological fluid, the jaw brace may include an electromagnet and appropriate controls. Therefore, when the magnetorheological fluid is subjected to a magnetic field created by the electromagnet, the viscosity of the fluid will increase until it becomes a viscoelastic solid. Once the magnetorheological fluid because a viscoelastic solid, the ball joints 3206 are effectively locked in position. After the dental or oral procedure is completed, removal of the electrical current from the electromagnet can deactivate the magnetic field, and the magnetorheological fluid can return to a flowable liquid state. This enables the ball joints 3206 within the ball sockets 3210 to once again move freely. In some embodiments, the chin rest 3202 also contains magnetorheological fluid and is similarly adjustable.

In one embodiment, the current can be activated and deactivated by a surgeon, dentist, or assistant using appropriate controls. For example, a user can control activation using a foot control pedal or a hand switch. This quick release is desirable for repositioning the patient during a procedure or surgery and it is also useful in the event of a power failure or emergency.

As mentioned above, the adjustable arms 3204 can attach to the dental procedure chair via an adjustable head rest mount 3208. The adjustable head rest mount 3208 can attach to the neck portion of the dental procedure chair head rest or it can attach directly to the back of the head rest. In some embodiments the adjustable head rest mount 3208 can be positioned higher or lower on the dental procedure chair using a friction lock, which can be controlled by a knob. Therefore, when the knob is turned in one direction, it loosens the lock and enables the head rest mount 3208 to move along the neck portion or head rest. When the knob is turned in the opposite direction, it tightens the lock and holds the head rest mount 3208 in place. In some embodiments, the head rest mount 3208 can also include the first ball joint and ball socket for each of the adjustable arms 3204.

Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 32-35, the jaw brace includes an adjustable head rest mount 3208 having two adjustable arms 3204 attached to it on its ends, wherein each adjustable arm 3204 is comprised of a first, proximal ball joint and ball socket, a second ball joint and ball socket attached to the first ball joint and ball socket and attached to a third ball joint and ball socket, and a fourth, distal ball joint and ball socket attached to the third ball joint and ball socket as well as the chin rest 3202.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A jaw brace comprising: a head rest mount configured to adjustably attach to a dental chair headrest; a first arm connected to the head rest mount and comprised of a first set of a plurality of ball joints and ball sockets connected in line, wherein each ball joint is at least partially enclosed within a ball socket; a second arm connected to the head rest mount and comprised of a second set of a plurality of ball joints and ball sockets connected in line, wherein each ball joint is at least partially enclosed within a ball socket; a magnetorheological fluid located between each of the plurality of ball joints and ball sockets; and at least one chin rest connected to a distal end of the first arm, wherein the chin rest is comprised of resilient, flexible material.
 2. The jaw brace of claim 1, further comprising a second chin rest connected to a distal end of the second arm.
 3. The jaw brace of claim 2, further comprising an electromagnet enabled to create a magnetic field to control the magnetorheological fluid.
 4. A jaw brace comprising: a head rest mount configured to attach to a dental chair; a first arm having a proximal end connected to the head rest mount; a second arm having a proximal end connected to the head rest mount; and at least two chin rests; wherein: a first chin rest is attached to the first arm; a second chin rest and is attached to the second arm; the first chin rest is attached to the distal end of the first arm via a first ball joint; the second chin rest is attached to the distal end of the second arm via a second ball joint; and the first and second ball joints enable rotation of the first and second chin supports.
 5. The jaw brace of claim 4, wherein the head rest mount is configured to attach to a dental chair headrest post.
 6. The jaw brace of claim 4, wherein the first arm and the second arm each include a plurality of ball joints and ball sockets.
 7. The jaw brace of claim 6, wherein the plurality of ball joints and ball sockets on each arm are connected in line.
 8. The jaw brace of claim 7, wherein the arms have a full range of motion.
 9. The jaw brace of claim 8, wherein the first chin rest is comprised of resilient, flexible material.
 10. The jaw brace of claim 9, wherein the resilient, flexible material of the first chin rest is foam.
 11. The jaw brace of claim 6, further comprising a magnetorheological fluid located between each of the plurality of ball joints and ball sockets.
 12. The jaw brace of claim 11, further comprising an electromagnet enabled to create a magnetic field to control the magnetorheological fluid.
 13. The jaw brace of claim 12, wherein the electromagnet is controlled by a foot control pedal.
 14. The jaw brace of claim 12, wherein the head rest mount includes a first ball joint and ball socket on a first end and a second ball joint and ball socket on a second end.
 15. The jaw brace of claim 14, wherein the first ball joint and ball socket of the head rest mount connects to the first arm and the second ball joint and ball socket of the head rest mount connects to the second arm. 